The following is a guest post written by our partners at Petplan, a pet insurance provider.

Fact or fiction? When it comes to our pets, and in particular, their health, we tend to see things through rose-colored glasses. But when it comes to the facts about our furry companions, the numbers don’t lie. Below are some of the more interesting statistics we’ve come across:

11,840 – Number of dollars paid to the largest Petplan claim filed since the last issue of fetch! magazine. It covered a very special dog’s very, very rare drug reaction. And, imagine, it all started with a trip to the vet for a simple broken toe. (Our largest claim ever was for $20,000, paid in 2010 to cover a pet’s vet bills following a traffic accident.)

94% – The number of pet owners who say they smile more than once a day because of their pet. (Probably one reason they help reduce stress!)

16 hours – The length of a cat’s memory. A dog’s is no more than five minutes. No wonder they’re always so excited to see you!

1 million – Estimated number of dogs in the U.S. who are the primary beneficiary in their owner’s will. Now if that’s not love!

24 – Number of chocolate candies unwrapped and consumed by Petplan client and fetch! magazine Dog-in-Chief, Wellington, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. A quick trip to the emergency room and he’s just fine.

33 – Percentage of dog owners who admit to talking to their dogs on the phone.

For more information on how to protect your pet with Petplan pet insurance visit GoPetplan.com or call 1-866-467-3875.